Artificial Botanicals and Methods of Making Same

ABSTRACT

An artificial flower, plant, or other botanical is produced from an aqueous agar-based solidifying mixture. The artificial botanical may be colored as desired by adding one or more colorants. The artificial botanical may also be scented by adding a perfume, odorant, or other scent. Because the artificial botanical is produced using the aqueous agar-based solidifying mixture, no animal-based gelatin products are. The artificial botanical may thus also be edible and satisfies vegan diets. The artificial botanical may thus also be flavored by adding a flavoring, such as fruit, concentrate, or sweetener. The artificial botanical may be all-natural and edible by adding mica powder as the colorant and by adding glycerin as the flavoring.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims domestic benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/006,112 filed Apr. 7, 2020 and incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Artificial plants, trees, and flowers have many advantages and manydisadvantages. As the reader likely understands, man-made or “fake”botanicals require no nurturing, water, nor nutrients. Botanicalreproductions are durable and have a very long life cycle, perhapsmeasured in years. Faux botanicals may also remain colorful andvibrant-looking year-round. Artificial botanicals, however, often lackrealism and fail to mimic nature's true hues and botanical details.Artificial botanicals are conventionally made from plastics, silks,and/or fabrics, which may be environmentally harmful and wasteful. Whileartificial botanicals are often less expensive, the best, realisticofferings (such as silk flowers) are often more expensive than naturalplantings and cuttings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments areunderstood when the following Detailed Description is read withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an artificial botanical and a process or method formanufacturing the artificial botanical, according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIGS. 3-14 illustrate sculpting of the artificial botanical madeaccording to the process, recipe, and method illustrated in FIG. 2,according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 15, 16, & 17A-C illustrate colorants, according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIGS. 18-19 illustrate a soap additive, according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate a wool additive, according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIGS. 23-26 illustrate a cavity mold, according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIGS. 27-37 illustrate additional productions using a solidified,agar-based mixture, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 38-42 illustrate still more productions using the solidified,agar-based mixture, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 43-45 illustrate recipes using the solidified, agar-based mixture,according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 46-48 illustrate different material delivery techniques, accordingto exemplary embodiments; and

FIGS. 49-50 illustrate different dehumidification techniques, accordingto exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodimentsmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those ofordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein recitingembodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in thefuture (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function,regardless of structure).

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. Itwill be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,”“including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, ingredients, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, ingredients, and/or groups thereof. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an artificial botanical 20 and a process or methodfor manufacturing the artificial botanical 20, according to exemplaryembodiments. While the artificial botanical 20 may be any faux or faketree or plant, most readers are generally familiar with artificialflowers. Conventional artificial flowers, though, are usually made frompolymer-based plastics having environmental concerns. As FIG. 2illustrates, though, the artificial botanical 20 is produced ormanufactured using an aqueous, agar-based mixture 22. Agar, glycerin,and water are combined (Block 24) as ingredients and stirred/mixed toproduce the agar-based mixture 22. The agar-based mixture 22 mixes theagar, the glycerin, and the water at a 2:1:30 ratio by weight (grams).The agar-based mixture 22 may then be heated and stirred/mixed (Block26) to a boiling temperature (such as 212° F.). As the agar-basedmixture 22, a portion of the water vaporizes away and increases aconcentration of the agar and/or glycerin. The heated/boiled agar-basedmixture 22 may then be cavity casted (Block 28) by pouring theboiled/boiling agar-based mixture in a three-dimensional (3D) moldcavity. The mold cavity is machined, stamped, forged, milled, printed,or otherwise fabricated and shaped as desired (such as petaled, flowershaped cavity mold corresponding to or resembling an artificial flower).The agar-based mixture 22 is then cooled (Block 30) in the mold cavityto a desired temperature (perhaps to near or about ambient or roomtemperature). As the agar-based mixture 22 cools in the mold cavity, theagar-based mixture 22 begins solidification, drying, dehydrating, anddehumidification. The artificial botanical 20 is removed from the moldcavity (Block 32). After removal, the prototypes were laid aside fordrying, such as on any porous surface (wood board, fabric material, jutemesh, or metal rack for better air circulation). As the artificialbotanical 20 continues drying, the artificial botanical 20 hardens andshrinks to create a natural wave in an edge periphery (Block 34).

The shrinkage and sculpting improve the artificial botanical 20. As theagar-based mixture cools, dehydrates/dehumidifies, and hardens,shrinkage onsets. Once the artificial botanical 20 is removed from thecavity mold and continues drying, the shrinkage produces the random,natural wave 40 in the artificial petals 42 a-c and along the edgeperiphery 44. The natural wave 40 mimics natural forms found in nature.The natural wave 40 thus improves a realistic, natural appearancewithout additional molding, machining, processing, or forming operationsand without their associated time and costs. The process or methodillustrated in FIG. 2 thus produces the artificial botanical 20 in lesstime, with less cost, and with more realistic, natural aspects.

FIGS. 3-14 illustrate sculpting of the artificial botanical 20 madeaccording to the process or method illustrated in FIG. 2, according toexemplary embodiments. The artificial botanical 20 was cavity casted bypouring the boiled/boiling agar-based mixture 22 over, onto, and/or intothe mold cavity 36. Here the mold cavity 36 is constructed to resemble athree-petaled flower 38, including fine, intricate natural details (suchas midrib and veins). In the drying process, the agar-based mixturecools, solidifies, and progressively shrinks, resulting in theartificial botanical 20 having about one fourth (¼) the size of the moldcavity 36. The shrinkage produces the random, natural wave 40 in theartificial botanicals 20. FIGS. 4-8 are progressive illustrations of theshrinkage that occurs over cooling and drying time that produces therandom, natural wave 40. As the artificial botanical 20 dehydrates, thepetals 42 (with their natural-looking pistils, stamens, and other castfeatures) will progressively form in three-dimensions. The artificialbotanical 20 may further be molded, drilled, cut, punched, or perforatedto form a generally central hole or bore 50. A fastener (pin, rivet,screw/nut, or clamp) may thus be inserted into and through the bore 50to secure an assemblage of multiple artificial botanicals 20. As FIGS.9-14 illustrates, different artificial botanicals 20 may be stacked orlayered together with unique and very natural-looking features. As FIGS.1-14 illustrate, the artificial botanicals 20 made according to theprocess or method illustrated in FIG. 2 may have any number of thepetals that mimic any natural species. Moreover, more intricate designsmay be formed by combining or assembling different, solidified designsof multiple layers. The shinkage-induced natural wave 40 produces arealistic, natural appearance without added time and costs foradditional operations.

The aqueous, agar-based mixture 22 is an all-natural, organic,plant-based substance. The agar is a vegetarian gelatin and is obtainedfrom seaweed or algae and contains linear polysaccharide agarose andagaropectin. The algae are known as agarophytes (Rhodophyta (or redalgae) phylum). The agar melts at 85° C. (185° F.) and beginssolidifying at 104° F.). Animal-based gelatins melt at much lowertemperatures (such as 98° F. or 37° C.—human body temperatures) and arethus unsuited for artificial botanicals 20, jewelry, and other articlesthat melt when worn by humans. Animal-based gelatins may also have anoffensive oder, especially at human body temperatures. The agar iswhite, semi-translucent, and is available in flake, powder, bar, andstrand form. Because the agar, glycerin, and water are combined at a2:1:30 ratio by weight (grams), this agar-based mixture 22 may be hereinreferred to as a moldable, biodegradable, natural, and renewablebio-plastic material.

The glycerin is a carbohydrate. The glycerin is a sugar alcohol orpolyol. The glycerin is a glycerol or three-carbon backbone of atriglyceride. The glycerin naturally formed through alcoholicfermentation of sugars. The glycerin helps retain moisture, preventssugar crystallization, and adds sweetness and texture.

Water is conserved. The aqueous, agar-based mixture 22 mixes the agar,the glycerin, and the water at a 2:1:30 ratio by weight (grams). Inother words, one (1) gram of agar is mixed with fifteen (15) grams ofwater. While agar and water have been mixed for culinary uses (such asedible desserts), these culinary uses have used much more water at aratio of about 1:50. The aqueous, agar-based mixture 22 thus uses muchless water than conventional culinary uses. The artificial botanical 20is far more environmentally conscious and consumes sustainableseaweed/algae.

In-mold drying is optional. Prototype artificial flowers were permittedto cool and harden in the cavity mold 36. However, the inventor observedthat the agar-based mixture 22 may stick or adhere to the cavity mold 36during hardening. This mold stickage or adherence inhibited the materialshrinkage that produces the natural wave 40 in the artificial petals 42a-c (illustrated in FIG. 3). The inventor thus observed that theprototype artificial flowers were best removed from the cavity mold 36for drying, as natural realism was improved with a smooth, flat, andeven outcome. However, when the agar-based mixture 22 was used toproduce prototype, agar-based sheets, yarns, and ropes (as thisdisclosure will later discuss), in-mold drying yielded adequate results.

FIGS. 15, 16, & 17A-C illustrate colorants 60, according to exemplaryembodiments. Because the aqueous, agar-based mixture 22 may be creamy,yellowish, or brownish in color and semi-translucent, one or more of thecolorants 60 may be added as desired for further realism, style, and/orfor effect. The colorant 60 may include any food dye, pigment powders,and even oil-based or water-based paints. However, because the aqueous,agar-based mixture 22 is an all-natural substance, the colorant 60 ispreferably mica. The mica is natural stone mineral. The mica has thincrystalline plates that reflect/refract visible light to create ashimmer, glitter, or frost effect. As FIG. 16 illustrates, the mica maybe added as a powder to the heated/boiled agar-based mixture 22 (Block27). While the mica may be added in any amount, numerous artificialbotanicals 20 have been prototyped using about a 1:40 ratio by weight(grams) of the mica powder to the agar. More or less of the mica powdermay be used to produce the desired coloring effect. The colored, boiledagar-based mixture 22 may then be cavity casted (Block 28), cooled(Block 30), and removed (Block 32). Further drying produces the naturalwave (Block 34).

Multiple colored batches may be nearly simultaneously prepared. Twodifferent colored agar-based mixtures 22 may be prepared and pouredinto/onto the same cavity mold 36. As the two different coloredagar-based mixtures 22 flow over and into the cavity mold 36, the twodifferent colored agar-based mixtures 22 will mix/merge together. As thetwo different colored agar-based mixtures 22 cool and solidify, theircombined pleasing, colorful effects harden.

Mica-surfacing may also be used. The colorant 60 (such as the micapowder) may be brushed or dusted onto an inner surface of cavity mold36. After the cavity mold 36 is at least partially coated with the micapowder, the boiled/boiling agar-based mixture 22 may be poured into/ontothe mold cavity 36. As the agar-based mixture 22 cools, the mica powderremains suspended within a thin, outer region of the artificialbotanical 20. When the artificial botanical 20 is pulled from the cavitymold 36, the outer, exterior surface of the solidified artificialbotanical 20 thus has a thin coating of the mica powder for a shimmery,glittery, or frosty effect.

FIGS. 17A-C illustrate different coloring techniques. FIG. 17A, forexample, illustrates a color soaking. After the artificial botanical 20is removed from the cavity mold (illustrated as reference numeral 36 inFIG. 3), any part or region of the artificial botanical 20 may bepost-soaked in the colorant 60. A tip portion of the petal 42, forexample, may be dipped or immersed in a dye (such as an aqueous naturaldye) for any time (such as 1 hour to many hours, depending on thedesired effect). FIGS. 17B & 17C illustrate brush appliques. FIG. 17B,for example, illustrates how the colorant 60 may be brushed onto/intothe cavity mold 36. During prototype manufacture, food dyes, paints, andmany other colorants were brushed on the cavity mold 36, some withpattern or in parts to create different gradient effects (as FIG. 17Cillustrates). Unlike mica-surfacing, by brushing dyes and paints on themolds 36 before casting, the agar-based mixture 22 will fully absorb thecolorant(s) 60. These brush appliques may result in similar realism, yetthe artificial botanical 20 may be designed with more complex outcomes.

FIGS. 18-19 illustrate a soap additive, according to exemplaryembodiments. Because the aqueous, agar-based mixture 22 is water-based,the addition of the soap additive (such as vegetable-based toilet soap)promotes the formation of soap bubbles within the agar-based mixture 22.As FIG. 18 illustrates, the agar-based mixture 22 may thus have a foamyupper layer, depending on the amount of the soap additive. As FIG. 19illustrates, after the heated/boiled agar-based mixture 22 (Block 24) isprepared and colored (if desired), the soap additive is added (Block 27b). Hand or machine beating/mixing (perhaps 20-60 seconds or more) mayensure thorough dispersion. While the soap additive may be added in anyamount, numerous artificial botanicals 20 have been prototyped using aratio of about 1 milliliter of the soap additive to about 6 grams of theagar. The soap additive is preferably added after the heat is removed,and resulting soapy, agar-based mixture 22 is quickly stirred to anevenly-distributed foamy appearance. The soapy, agar-based mixture 22 iscavity casted (Block 28), cooled (Block 30), and removed (Block 32).Further drying produces the natural wave (Block 34).

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate a wool additive 70, according to exemplaryembodiments. FIG. 20 illustrates natural woolen fibers/shreds/snippetsthat may be added. Because the aqueous, agar-based mixture 22 iswater-based, the wool additive 70 adds a surface texture, roughness, ortopography for added realism, customization, and productdifferentiation. As FIG. 21 illustrates, after the agar-based mixture 22is boiled (Block 26) and colored (if desired) (Block 27) and soaped(Block 27 b), the soap wool fibers/shreds/snippets may be added andevenly stirred (Block 27 c). The soapy, woolen agar-based mixture 22 iscavity casted (Block 28), cooled (Block 30), and removed (Block 32).Further drying produces the natural wave (Block 34). FIG. 22 illustratesvarious material samples of the hardened soapy, woolen, agar-basedmixture 22.

FIGS. 23-26 illustrate the cavity mold 36, according to exemplaryembodiments. The cavity mold 36 is machined, tooled, milled,laser-engraved, stamped, or otherwise fabricated in a shape andthickness that resembles the desired artificial botanical 20. The cavitymold 36 may also be produced using stereolithography, additivemanufacturing, or 3-D printing techniques as a smaller and lessexpensive CAD process. Because the cavity mold 36 is created, the cavitymold 36 may be fabricated to yield new species, new petal shapes, and/ordifferent numbers of petals than those found in nature. FIG. 23 thusillustrates a CAD rendering of the cavity mold 36 (illustrated in FIG.3), while FIG. 24 illustrates the 3-D printed cavity mold 36. FIG. 25illustrates a wireframe rendering of the cavity mold 36 resembling adaisy. FIG. 26 illustrates another 3-D printed cavity mold 36 a and ahand-carved cavity mold 36 b. As FIG. 26 especially illustrates, thequality and/or realism of the cavity mold 36 greatly affects detailedpetaling/leafing and thus the realism of the artificial botanical 20. Asproduction quantities increase, tooling may be fabricated havingmultiple cavity molds 36 for efficient injection molding or extrusiontechniques. Prototype cavity molds 36 have been fabricated usinglaser-cut acrylics, 3D printed using thermoplastic elastomers andpolyurethanes, 3D printed using renewable polylactic acid, and 3Dprinted using flexible resins. Prototype cavity molds 36 have beenfabricated by CNC milling of acrylic materials and of aluminum.Prototype cavity molds 36 have also been fabricated using ceramicmaterials. Ceramic cavity molds 36 are an optional high-temperaturematerial for high-temperature castings, and ceramic cavity molds 36 maybe more visually pleasing while performing the process (illustrated inFIGS. 2, 16, 19 & 21) in view of an audience/observer. Moreover,prototype rubber cavity molds have been carved by hand, which createsvery nice and delicate linear venations which other CAD procedures canhardly achieve.

FIGS. 27-37 illustrate additional productions using the solidified,agar-based mixture 22, according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 27, forexample, illustrates the circular cavity mold 36 for molding themodular, circular shapes in FIG. 28. These modular shapes may then becombined as desired to produce extremely intricate floral arrangementsand fashion accessories. As FIG. 29 illustrates, the circular shapes maythen be combined, nested, intertwined, and/or woven into any bio-textiledesigned configuration, such as an intricate base (illustrated in FIG.30) and stranded rope (FIG. 31). Indeed, FIGS. 32-33 illustrate a veryintricate hanging artificial floral arrangements, while FIG. 34illustrates floral baskets. FIGS. 35-36 illustrate hanging lamps, whileFIG. 37 illustrates a vased arrangement and a table lamp. One or more ofartificial flowers and other botanicals 20 may be linked into an overtextile while constructing the base. This one-step method is efficientand results in a finished and ornamental design. The artificialflower(s) may additionally or alternatively be added afterwards onto thebase by tying with the circular agar yarn. Regardless, the agar-basedproductions may be flexibly combined for great variability in floralarrangements.

FIGS. 38-42 illustrate still more productions using the solidified,agar-based mixture 22, according to exemplary embodiments. Theagar-based mixture 22 may be extruded or formed and cooled as flatsheets (FIG. 38), filament strands (FIG. 39), and ribbons or yarns (FIG.40). FIG. 41 illustrates the artificial botanical 20 as an artificiallily assemblage 80 comprising an artificial leaf 82, multiple artificialpetals 84a and 84b, an artificial pistil 86, and an artificial stamen88. The artificial components illustrated in FIG. 41 may thus beassembled as the artificial lily assemblage 80, as FIG. 42 illustrates.

FIGS. 43-45 illustrate recipes using the solidified, agar-based mixture22, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 46-48 illustrate different material delivery techniques, accordingto exemplary embodiments. The agar-based mixture 22 (whetheradditionally colored, soapy, and/or wooly) may be poured onto over thecavity mold 36, as FIG. 46 illustrates. However, the agar-based mixture22 may be extruded and applied or guided into the desired. FIG. 47, forexample, illustrates a prototype extrusion process in which the heatedagar-based mixture 22 is loaded or poured into a squeeze bottle andextruded under pressure through an outlet nozzle. The prototypeextrusion process was manually-guided by hand, but high-volumeproduction may utilize machinery programmed to trace a predeterminedpath or design. FIG. 48 illustrates a prototype brush applique in whichthe heated agar-based mixture 22 is applied by a bristled brush to thecavity mold 36. Again, high-volume production may utilize machineryprogrammed to brush, roll, or otherwise apply the agar-based mixture 22in a predetermined path or design.

FIGS. 49-50 illustrate different dehumidification techniques, accordingto exemplary embodiments. As FIGS. 4-8 illustrate, solidification mayrequire hours, especially when only exposed to ambient conditions (e.g.,typical room temperature and humidity). As FIGS. 49-50 illustrate, manydifferent prototype experiments have used different processes to speedsolidification and to increase throughput, especially for a high-volumeproduction environment. These prototype experiments were conducted toreduce times to solidification. However, these prototype experimentsalso revealed that some drying techniques also resulted in variations intexture and form of the resulting artificial botanical 20. For example,heated drying of prototypes reduced solidification times, and heatedconvection drying further reduced solidification times. Pre-heating thecavity mold 36 (such as from about 100° C. or 212° F. to even highertemperatures, depending on any desired outcome) was seen to causeimmediate flashing or scorching and evaporation, but the resultantartificial botanical 20 exhibited a shinier surface effect and a stiffertexture. Freeze drying was also tried for a minimum of fifteen (15)minutes, with some prototype samples solidifying quicker/faster thanwithout freeze drying. Freeze drying of the agar-based mixture 22 wasobserved to create a different texture. This texture was more porous,and opaquer, that ambient air drying. Moreover, prototype freeze dryingalso seemed to produce smaller shrinkage in size. Depending on the timethe agar-based mixture 22 stays in the freezer, the shrinkage of theoutcome could be 10%-70% less than any other drying methods overall.

Exemplary embodiments may be applied to construct any utilitarianproduct. For example, multiple artificial botanicals 20 may be combined,perhaps in different colors and shapes and designs, to produceartificial bouquets for weddings, displays, and desserts. The agar-basedmixture 22 may be used to create lampshades, light fixtures, wallpieces, room dividers, window coverings, and other home decoratingarticles. The agar-based mixture 22 may be used to create fashion andclothing accessories, such as handbags, purses, pins, corsages, andjewelry.

Exemplary embodiments are 100% recyclable. The agar may be harvestedfrom natural seaweed and/or up-recycled from food waste. The colorant 60is preferably natural mica power and edible. Indeed, the colorant 60 mayalso be produced from food waste. The woolen additive is alsoall-natural and may be sourced from woolen waste.

Exemplary embodiments may also include scents and flavors. Just as thecolorant 60 may be added, artificial flowers and other botanicals 20 maybe scented to improve their realism and appeal. The artificial botanical20 may thus be scented by adding a perfume, odorant, or other scent.Because the artificial botanical 20 is produced using the aqueousagar-based solidifying mixture 22, no animal-based gelatin products are.The artificial botanical 20 may thus also be edible and satisfies vegandiets. The artificial botanical 20 may thus also be flavored by adding aflavoring, such as fruit, concentrate, or sweetener. The artificialbotanical 20 may remain all-natural and edible, thus being readily usedas culinary garnishment for cakes and other desserts.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described with respect tovarious features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilledin the art will recognize the exemplary embodiments are not so limited.Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplaryembodiments.

1. An artificial flower process of fabricating an artificial flower,comprising: producing an agar-based mixture by mixing agar, glycerin,and water; producing a boiled agar-based mixture by boiling theagar-based mixture; flower cavity casting the boiled agar-based mixturein a flower mold cavity; solidifying the artificial flower by coolingthe boiled agar-based mixture cavity casted in the flower mold cavity;and removing the artificial flower from the flower mold cavity.
 2. Theartificial flower process of claim 1, further comprising generating acolored agar-based mixture by adding a colorant to the agar-basedmixture.
 3. The artificial flower process of claim 2, further comprisingadding a mica powder as the colorant to the agar-based mixture.
 4. Theartificial flower process of claim 2, further comprising adding apigment powder as the colorant to the boiled agar-based mixture.
 5. Theartificial flower process of claim 2, further comprising adding a dye asthe colorant to the boiled agar-based mixture.
 6. The artificial flowerprocess of claim 1, wherein the producing of the agar-based mixturemixes the agar, the glycerin, and the water at a 2:1:30 ratio by weight.7. The artificial flower process of claim 6, further comprising adding amica powder to the agar-based mixture at a 1:40 ratio by weight of theagar.
 8. The artificial flower process of claim 1, further comprisingadding a soap to the boiled agar-based mixture.
 9. The artificial flowerprocess of claim 1, further comprising producing a soapy agar-basedmixture by adding a soap to the boiled agar-based mixture at 1 ml of thesoap to 6 grams of the agar.
 10. The artificial flower process of claim1, further comprising adding a wool material to the boiled agar-basedmixture.
 11. The artificial flower process of claim 1, furthercomprising producing a woolly agar-based mixture by adding a woolmaterial to the boiled agar-based mixture at 1:2 ratio of the agar byweight.
 12. The artificial flower process of claim 1, further comprisingcooling the cavity casting of the boiled agar-based mixture in theflower mold cavity.
 13. An artificial flower process of fabricating anall-natural, edible, and vegan artificial flower, comprising: producingan aqueous agar-based artificial flower mixture by mixing agar,glycerin, and water at a 2:1:30 ratio by weight; producing a boiledagar-based artificial flower mixture by boiling the aqueous agar-basedartificial flower mixture; producing a boiled and colored agar-basedartificial flower mixture by adding a mica powder to the boiledagar-based artificial flower mixture at a 1:40 ratio by weight of theagar; cavity casting the all-natural, edible, and vegan artificialflower by pouring the boiled and colored agar-based artificial flowermixture in a flower-shaped mold cavity; solidifying the all-natural,edible, and vegan artificial flower by cooling the cavity casting of theall-natural, edible, and vegan artificial flower in the flower-shapedmold cavity; and when solidified, removing the all-natural, edible, andvegan artificial flower from the flower-shaped mold cavity.
 14. Theartificial flower process of claim 13, further comprising producing asoapy agar-based artificial flower mixture by adding a soap to theboiled and colored agar-based artificial flower mixture at 1 ml of thesoap to 6 grams of the agar.
 15. The artificial flower process of claim13, further comprising producing a woolly agar-based artificial flowermixture by adding a wool material to the boiled and colored agar-basedartificial flower mixture at 1:2 ratio of the agar by weight.